The importance of the molecular weight of ethyl cellulose on the properties of aqueous-based controlled release coatings

In this study, dispersions of EC with varying viscosity grades (which correspond to molecular weights), ranging from 4 to 100 cps, were produced and characterised. The dispersions showed particle sizes around 200nm and highly negative ζ-potentials (approx. −100mV), which indicated stable dispersions as confirmed by sedimentation studies. The different latexes were used to produce free-standing film coatings. We hypothesised that the different viscosity grades of EC would result in different properties of the films. We found that an increase in viscosity grade (and higher molecular weight) resulted in lower coalescence between the particles during film formation and thus to higher water permeability than in film coatings of lower molecular weight. After exposure to water the EC 4cps and 20cps film coatings had a more porous structure in the side facing the air during production and drying after immersion in water. Molecular weight is therefore a factor that should be considered when producing pharmaceutical coatings for controlled release. Graphical abstract

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Conclusion: These findings suggest that L‐carnosine may induce browning of adipose tissue through irisin stimulation, a phenomenon that could be related to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐obesity effect. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

In this study, the effects of bilateral cochlear implants (CI) on quality of life as well as on subjective dizziness complaints are analyzed using questionnaires, some of which have never been applied before in these patient collectives.
OBJECTIVE: In this article, questionnaires for the assessment of dizziness symptoms and quality of life are introduced in order to realize quality assurance.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with bilateral CI were questioned regarding dizziness symptoms and quality of life. The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) was used. In the case of reported regula...

Noninvasive compared with RF ablation, it nearly abolished VT in five patients with massive VT burdens when other treatments failed. More research is needed, but it's"pretty darned exciting," says an expert.Medscape Medical News

Thousands of people around the globe will herald the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, with centuries-old rituals like soaking in fruit-filled baths and dressing up as a devilish folklore legend that punishes naughty children around Christmas.
The solstice, which falls on Dec. 21 this year, marks the first day of winter. It starts the moment the Northern Hemisphere is pointed at its farthest distance from the sun. The winter solstice is considered a turning point in the year in many cultures. The sacred day is also called Yule to pagans celebrating the birth of the new solar year, ac...

This study shows the relative quantification of HSV‐2 by qPCR, using the MIQE Guidelines. The reaction efficiency was evaluated, and the relative quantification used the R=2−ΔCq method. The relative quantification of HSV‐2 was conducted with anal and genital samples from men who have sex with men (MSM), living with HIV. The presence of a single amplification product was validated with a dissociation curves profile and the determination of the melting temperature. The limit of detection for β‐globin was determined as 3.3 × 10−6ng/μl, and for HSV‐2 at 6.0 × 10−6 ng/μl. T...